In a surprising turn of events, Nicole Kidman and Simon Baker have become the subject of intense dating speculation, just six months after Kidman's high-profile divorce from Keith Urban. The Oscar-winning actress, 58, and the Australian actor, 56, have sparked rumors following their appearance together at the New York premiere of their new Amazon Prime crime drama, Scarpetta.
The Background: Recent Divorces and Long Histories
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban shocked fans worldwide in September last year when they announced their divorce after nearly two decades of marriage. Despite Kidman filing the paperwork, sources indicated that Urban had sought the separation. Reports at the time highlighted Kidman's focus on caring for their daughters and maintaining family stability during what was described as a 'difficult time.'
Simon Baker, meanwhile, separated from his wife, Australian actress Rebecca Rigg, in 2020 after 22 years of marriage. The couple, who had lived together for five years prior to marrying in 1998, share three children: a daughter and two sons. Baker is best known for his roles in The Mentalist—which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination—The Devil Wears Prada, and the long-running Australian soap Home and Away.
Why the Rumors Started
The dating speculation ignited when Kidman and Baker were photographed holding hands on the red carpet at the Scarpetta premiere on March 3. The two stars, who play husband and wife in the series, were also seen entering the after-party together, fueling whispers about a potential romantic connection.
Kidman previously revealed that she personally recommended Baker for the show, telling the Daily Telegraph that they have a deep, longstanding friendship. 'We have known each other for a huge portion of our lives,' she said. 'I've always wanted to do something substantial with Simon. And so, it was me going, "would you please, please, do this with me?"' She described the collaboration as 'kind of kismet,' noting that Baker was at a point in his life where he could commit to projects away from home.
Platonic or Romantic? Insights from the Stars
Despite the rumors, evidence suggests that Kidman and Baker's relationship is more likely platonic than romantic. Kidman is the godmother to Baker and Rigg's son, Harry, and the two have shared a close friendship for years. In interviews, Baker addressed the dynamics of their on-screen kiss, calling it 'kind of strange' due to their long history. 'I think any awkwardness about the friendship is quickly pushed aside,' he told Woman's Day. 'That's the great thing about our job. We don't spend time over-analysing things—we just get on with it.'
Kidman echoed this sentiment, noting that they've 'kissed on the cheek' before, 'hugged a lot,' and even lived in the same house. 'The woman I grew up with, he was married to for a substantial part of his life, 29 years, so we are just the same person,' she explained, emphasizing their familial bond.
Reactions and Speculation
Simon Baker's ex-wife, Rebecca Rigg, is reportedly 'shocked and confused' by the dating rumors. An insider told New Idea magazine that Rigg, who grew up with Kidman in Sydney and considers her 'like a sister,' is struggling to comprehend the speculation. 'They've been through so much over the years so it's extremely shocking for her to get her head around this,' the source said, adding that Rigg has been left 'totally in the dark about Nicole and Simon's current status.'
The insider also suggested that the hand-holding at the premiere might have been 'a cheesy stunt for the show,' but acknowledged that the rumors gain validity because Kidman and Baker are 'evading questions about their status' and 'spending all this cosy time together.' However, it was noted that Baker and Rigg remain on good terms, co-parenting their children with transparency.
As the buzz continues, fans and media outlets are closely watching for any developments. With both stars navigating post-divorce lives and a high-profile project together, the speculation shows no signs of abating. Whether their connection is purely professional or something more, one thing is clear: Kidman and Baker's friendship has stood the test of time, even in the face of Hollywood gossip.
